military training accident compensation claims

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military training accident claims

Military training regimes are designed to be rigorous, in preparation for combat. But the Ministry of Defence has a duty of care for all employees and should take precautionary measures to avoid and prevent military injuries.

When safety is compromised and a military training accident does happen, we understand that there are significant impacts on service, home life and post-service prospects.

If you’ve had an accident on duty we can help you with your Armed Forces claim under the new Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and advise you on whether to pursue your claim in the civil courts under our 'no win no fee' specialist military legal advice scheme.

We understand that serving military personnel and their families give their lives to the Armed Forces. It’s more than just a job; it’s a way of life. We respect the contribution that you make and we’re here to support you.

Our specialist team of military lawyers deal with all types of military injury compensation claims involving military personnel, from the Army to the RAF to the Navy and have a good track record in securing military compensation for injured soldiers.

If you're unsure of your eligibility to make a Armed Forces injury claim, request a call back from a member of our military team by filling in the online contact form at the top of this page. Alternatively you can contact us using the below details.

We're proud to offer 10% discount to all military serving personnel as well as those that are members of the Defence Discount Scheme.

armed forces compensation claimFrequently asked questions

Should I take legal advice when I make an armed forces compensation claim?

Yes, you should seek independent legal advice before you claim for compensation under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). If an application for compensation under the AFCS is made too early, it can mean that you will not receive adequate compensation for the injury you have suffered. It is therefore important that you seek independent legal advice before considering any such application.

What is the time limit for military compensation claims?

Claims for military injuries are usually made up to three years after the injury occurred. During the initial stages of making a military compensation claim, we will provide a free consultation to discuss the circumstances. Following this, we will investigate the extent of the injury and resulting losses.

How long will my accident claim take?

This is dependent on a number of variables. If the defendant admits liability straightaway, you recover from your injuries quickly and settlement is straightforward, then your claim could take three to six months. However, if liability is denied, your injuries are complex; it takes longer for you to recover than first thought, then the timescale can vary quite dramatically as to when it will settle.

What do I have to pay you?

You do not have to pay us anything up front. We will fund your claim under our Conditional Fee “No Win, No Fee” Scheme. This is were we would fund your claim, and upon successful conclusion, i.e. we recover compensation for you, we may then have to take up to 25% of any compensation from any past losses towards our unrecovered costs. Should you have any Before the Event Legal Expenses Policy or Trade Union membership for example, there is a possibility that this will fund your claim, at no cost to yourself, with you then retaining 100% of any compensation

If we fail to recover any compensation for you, i.e. the claim fails, there is no cost or charge for our services, as long as you have co-operated with us throughout.

What is my claim worth?

Military injury compensation depends on various factors including:

The extent of your injuries

How long it takes you to recover

Whether or not you suffer any further complications

What, (if any) pre-existing problems are involved

Whether or not you require any further medical treatment, operations or long-term care or treatment

Will I have to attend any meetings with my military solicitor in person?

It is our preferred option to meet with you face to face, but we live in a busy digital age, which along with geographical location, work and other commitments allows us to discuss your claim by telephone, video calls and email. It can also extend to sending you all the relevant documents that need reviewing, completing and signing by post, email or other electronic means. So, we do not necessarily need to meet face to face regularly or at all.

Will my Armed Forces claim go to court?

Most cases are resolved without the need to go to court. However, there are occasions where we have to issue proceedings. Even then, most of those cases are often resolved by way of negotiation before the case actually proceeds to trial at court.

Why choose us?

Known and respected by military personnel and, as a Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire and Humber based law firm, surrounded by numerous Forces bases and committed to the Armed Forces community, you need look no further than Wilkin Chapman solicitors for all of your legal needs.

We are committed, as a firm, to support the Armed Forces community. That’s why we have given our pledge through the Armed Forces Covenant and why we are a member of Forces Law.

Keen to do more, we also work with various charities across the sector, whether through our association with Forces Law or directly as a firm.

military injury compensation - more information

MilitaryEnquiries@wilkinchapman.co.uk

Claiming for a military training injury

There are various circumstances in which you may be able to make a claim against the MoD for military injury compensation as a result of a military training accident on duty or injury; for example, an injury caused by defective military equipment. Military injury compensation claims are usually made up to three years after the injury occurred. During the initial stages of making an Armed Forces claim, we will provide a free consultation to discuss the circumstances. Following this, we will investigate the extent of the injury and resulting losses.

On the occasion that the safety measures of the Ministry of Defence are inadequate, a basic training accident can occur, possibly resulting in a debilitating injury and sometimes medical discharge.

How are military training injuries caused?

Injuries during military training are more likely during parachute, mountain, skiing and diving training as well as on assault courses and firing ranges, but there are various circumstances in which an accident might occur such as:

Unsafe working practices

Using unsafe or defective equipment

Residing in unsafe or defective military accommodation

Armed Forces air accidents

One of the leading causes of medical discharge last year, musculoskeletal injuries often result from training accidents, and encompass a variety of conditions such as tendinitis and arthritis. Other common but severe training injuries include but are not limited to burns, limb loss, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.

How can we help?

We have a dedicated team of experts who have a wealth of experience in dealing with the intricate and specialist issues that arise for many of our serving personnel and veterans.

If you’ve been injured whilst serving, whether on tour or not, if you are having to deal with the threat of a Court Martial, if you are experiencing problems in the workplace or if, sadly, your family is struggling with marital breakdown, we are here to help you through.

We are proud to offer a 10% discount on our legal fees to all military serving personnel as well as those that are members of the Defence Discount Scheme.

Contact our specialist military solicitors

Talk directly to a military solicitor today! Our lines are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.